Keith & Gary: An Emotion-Packed Rockledge Mansion Wedding

It’s really something to be able to know a couple from the beginning and witness them as they grow together.

Keith is one of those genuinely energizing people.  Once you meet him, he’s pretty unforgettable.  He is an actor and singer with a servant’s heart and has a gift of making things personal with everyone he meets. He worked with Greg for several years at Giorgio’s Family Restaurant and Wine Styles of Montclair, and he was there for both of us in the biggest way on our wedding day, October 3, 2010.  We swore to him that we’d be there for his.

When we first met Gary at a Fourth of July party several years back, we immediately loved him and knew Keith had found his match. Gary is quintessential class—a Navy veteran and the kind of genuine person who will be a rock through anything life can throw.

Since their engagement in 2014, much changed in the legal landscapes of both Virginia and the United States.  Virginia began legally recognizing same-sex marriage in October 2014, but national recognition came with the June 2015 Supreme Court ruling. Needless to say, this celebration was even more celebratory than originally planned in the winter of 2014.

This wedding was highlighted by an array of heightened emotions, which is evident in their expressions. Keith & Gary had been waiting a long time for this moment, as had their family & guests. The air was a mix of joy, gratitude, delight, and excitement peppered with bursts of laughter and tears!  So many great moments: the flower girl dancing in the middle of the floor, completely unaware of anyone watching; Keith stopping the ceremony to tell the flower girl (his niece) how much loved her; everyone watching intently during the first dance; and so many seemingly choreographed dance routines that you’d think we were on a reality show. The crowd never stopped celebrating all night long–following Keith’s energetic lead, of course!

Keith and Gary bring out the best in each other, and their wedding day was a testament to the strength of their love for each other and the love their friends and family can’t help but show for them.  We were incredibly privileged to be there for them on their wedding day!  We couldn’t have imagined a better way to spend our fifth anniversary than celebrating love with these two incredible people!

~ Rachel & Greg